By Nicole Daughhetee, Courier Staff

There are several opportunities throughout Pickens County for celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends Here are a few fun-filled events to check out:

CLEMSON — July 3

The city of Clemson will host its annual Clemsonfest Wednesday at the Clemson University Beach and Outdoor Recreation Area (formerly Y Beach) on Lake Hartwell. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

There will be live music by The Original Out of Towners, inflatable amusement, face painting and food vendors, followed by a fireworks display between 9:30 and 10 p.m.

Blankets and chairs are recommended, but personal coolers and pets are prohibited.

Admission prices for the event are $10 per car or $5 on foot, with special rates for buses and church vans.

For more information, call Ruthie Millar at the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce at (864) 654-1200.

Easley — July 3-4

The city of Easley is hosting its annual “Celebrate America Festival” — a two day event beginning Wednesday and culminating in a fantastic fireworks display Thursday night. From 2-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Easley will turn its downtown area into a street festival, complete with a variety of vendors, carnival rides and live musical entertainment.

Ticket prices for the carnival rides are $1 per ticket, and most rides average a cost of 1-4 tickets per ride. 25 tickets can be purchased for $20, and on Wednesday only, between 2 and 7 p.m., people can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $15.

A live performance by The Flashbacks will take place on the main stage from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, and that evening will also feature Easley’s annual Classic Car Cruise-In from 6-10 p.m. Check-in for the cruise-in begins at 5 p.m. at the intersection of Pendleton St. and West 1st Ave. (next to TD Bank). No registration is required.

The celebration continues Thursday from 2-11 p.m., with more street festival with vendors, carnival rides, live entertainment and fireworks. The Encore Band will give a live musical performance beginning at 7 p.m. and running until the fireworks display begins at 9:45 p.m. Hosted by the city of Easley and managed by DunBurks Premier Events and Conference Center, the Celebrate America Festival in Easley boasts one of the best fireworks displays in the Upstate.

For more information, call (864) 423-4344.

PICKENS — July 4

The city of Pickens will celebrate July 4 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday. There will be craft vendors, games, rides food and live music, culminating in a full-blown fireworks show.

Festivities will be on Main St. in Pickens, between East Pickens Baptist Church and the city. Children can enjoy rides all day with a $5 wrist band. There will also be live music on the main stage, including Chris Sligh of American Idol, followed by Fireworks at 10 p.m. from Historic Main Street in Pickens.

For more information, call (864) 878-3258.

LIBERTY — July 5-6

Music in the Park returns in Liberty on Friday and Saturday, and folks are invited to come get their Stars and Stripes on and celebrate our nation’s birthday with music, dancing, kids’ activities and the city’s first-ever ice cream churn-off to cool visitors down.

Those looking for extra fun can visit Liberty prepared to get wet, as there will be a “Spray and Play” event to add to the excitement.

Beginning on Friday from 7-10 p.m., downtown Liberty will host live musical performances with the band Euphoria, and then on Saturday, there will be lots of activities for children, was well as the ice cream churn-off. Participants must have their homemade ice cream cold-packed and ready for the 6 p.m. judging time. The winner of the churn-off will receive a $100 Advance Auto Parts gift card. The music group Sound Factory will perform from 7-10 p.m.

For more information or registration forms for the churn-off, visit http://www.libertyscevents.com/2013/06/come-get-your-stars-stripes-on-and.html or contact Liberty City Hall at (864) 506-0737.